More factory teams to use Shimano XTR Di2 and Saint components

Shimano has announced the addition of Radon Factory Downhill and cross-country team riders to the roster of elite level athletes using its XTR Di2 and Saint mountain bike components.

Radon XC’s team is managed by triple world champion Ralph Naf, and has a lineup of riders that includes former double world champion Matthias Fluckiger, 2013 XC junior world champion Alessandra Keller and 2014 XC Eliminator world champion Kathrin Stirnemann, all of whom will ride with full Shimano XTR Di2 components, wheels and pedals

The Radon DH team, featuring 2014 women’s world champion and world cup winner Manon Carpenter, will race with full Shimano Saint drive trains and brakes on their Radon Swoop200 DH bikes.

Carpenter joins Johannes Fischbach, Raphaela Richter, Faustin Figaret and team manager Joost Wichman.

Radon team manager Joost Wichman said: “We are super excited to step up our relationship with Shimano. We know from using their components on our bikes just how much easier it makes life for our mechanics and how much confidence it gives to the riders.”

Shimano sports marketing manager Rudy Bouwmeester concluded: “Through the promising results that Radon’s XC and DH riders achieved last year, we’re very proud to be able to develop our relationship and support both teams with our XTR Di2 and Saint and components. We look forward to working with all Radon athletes and back room staff to continue developing world-class components.”

Radon Factory teams kick off their Downhill World Cup season on April 29-30 in Lourdes, France and their XC World Cup season on May 20-21 in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic.